A week ago at this time, I was floating in a natural salt pool with my new BFFs. Buoyant as balloons in the “salino” water, we giggled as we floated into each other like slow-motion bumper cars. There at the border – with a Portuguese castle on one side and the bridge to Spain on the other – we took in the open sky as our bodies felt weightless and free.

The very best thing about leading these retreats in Portugal is the instant community that emerges from traveling together. Most of this group were strangers to me, but from the get-go (our welcome dinner at the Pousada) we had smiles and laughter and camaraderie in sharing our first meal.

Here’s to a week of pleasurable experiences! My dear retreat participants, I miss you already. I cherish the renewed faith in humanity, the joy, the gratitude as we spent our time together.

You know how they say strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet? I wholeheartedly agree! I am so thankful to get to know this group, and even more thankful to introduce them to my favorite sights and favorite people of Portugal.

My heart is full.